Investigation of Nutritional Contents, Antioxidant and Immunostimulatory Activities of Aqueous Extract from Laguncularia racemosa Leaves

Abstract

Background: One of the four most incident plant species in mangrove is the Laguncularia racemosa, widely used in popular medicine against inflammation and fever. Objective: Here, L. racemosa was investigated in relation to their phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effect. Methods: Aqueous extract was obtained from leaves of plant, its phytochemical profile was investigated through UPLC method, the antioxidant assays performed were TAA, DPPH, ABTS, nitrite and lipid peroxidation assay. Antimicrobial assays were made using standard strains. For all biological tests were used mice splenocytes and from these cell cultures were measured cytotoxicity, proliferation index and cytokines production. Results: Laguncularia racemosa leaves showed the presence of ions, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and high concentration of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activities were promoted by aqueous extract, especially in DPPH and NO assays. Extract in 6 μg/mL did not induce significant cell death, stimulated the cell proliferation and the IL-4 production. Moreover, decreases of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 were found. Conclusion: The presence of essential nutrients, significant antioxidant activity and immune stimulation confirm the use of this plant in folk medicine against inflammation.